Fardell calls for Backpacker Tax to be scrapped

Friday, May 20, 2016

The Nationals WA have hit out against the Federal Government’s Backpacker Tax, and will send a team of regional champions to Canberra to fight against the controversial tax.

Senate Candidate Nick Fardell has leant his voice to the campaign against the Backpacker Tax, echoing calls from fellow Senate Candidate Kado Muir and Candidate for O’Connor, John Hassell, that the tax be abolished.

“The Federal Governments proposal for a six-month review is unacceptable. This will just result in more uncertainty for regional industries and for seasonal workers who are already making their travel plans for 2017,” Mr Fardell said.

“Once again, regional WA will bear the brunt of an ill-conceived policy, dreamt up in Canberra without regard of the real impact.”

Mr Fardell said the Backpacker Tax was a key reminder of the important need for regional WA to be represented in Canberra.

“Without a strong, regional voice to stand up and fight for the families, businesses and communities of regional WA, the Backpacker Tax will remain in place and the Federal Government will continue to develop policies which are harmful to regional WA.”

Mr Fardell said the Federal Government’s reputation in regional WA was tarnished by poor policy and inaction from WA’s Federal MPs and Senators.

“If the GST distributions and the lack of Federal funding for regional WA weren’t bad enough, the Backpacker Tax is going to cause even more harm.

“I call on the Federal Government to scrap the Backpacker Tax completely.”

Mr Fardell said The Nationals WA were the only party committed to getting rid of the Backpacker Tax and fighting for a better deal for regional WA.

“WA has 12 Senators who aren’t doing their jobs. Vote 1 for The Nationals WA on July 2 and send a team to Canberra who will fight for all of Western Australia.”